(Ecns.cn)--The Guards of Honor of the Three Services of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) received about 200 journalists from around the world last week at a military extravaganza, Xinhuanet reported.
On July 21, reporters and cameramen from foreign media watched soldiers stand in three phalanxes at the base of the PLA Guard of Honor in Beijing's Haidian District.
The honor guard is comprised of the country's most elite brigades, representing the Army, Navy and Air Force, and is renowned throughout China. The guard appeared at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the handover of Hong Kong from British rule in 1997.
In addition to the parade, which is traditionally staged on the country's most important occasions, soldiers also patiently answered questions from journalists.
"This is a good way to show the world China's military development," said Defense Ministry Spokesman Geng Yansheng. "The aim of this type of event is to give reporters a chance to get up close with the soldiers and help people understand the thinking of the PLA," he added. “We are proactively pushing this kind of opening up."
"Journalists from overseas and Taiwanese media zealously applied for this opportunity to visit the PLA Guard of Honor," said Guo Weimin, a senior official with the State Council Information Office, which organized the event.
"This visit is very useful, since it enables me to get a look at the mentality and mindset of the Chinese servicemen," said Park Hong Hwan, chief correspondent for The Seoul Shinmun.
Hard training, powerful appearance
Standing straight and goose-stepping perfectly together, the soldiers offered journalists an impressive military display.
The Guards of Honor of the Three Services are an elite corps drafted for their discipline, tall stature and solid grounding in politics, which takes part in all welcoming ceremonies for foreign leaders.
The guard was founded in March 1952 and now has four battalions with around 700 active officers and soldiers. Each recruit must accomplish five months of study in general military subjects before proceeding to specialized topics, said Liu Shixu, a senior colonel.
A young soldier called Deng Tao, who joined the army about two years ago, said he has gotten accustomed to the intensive training, such as standing with a four-kilogram gun for three consecutive hours.
The guard has performed about 3,200 welcoming ceremonies and received praise from many overseas leaders, according to Liu.
